Locking and removable step

ABSTRACT

An easy to use device that attaches to a beam for use as a step and allowing a user to stand on and attain elevation. A plank can be used in combination with the tool to form a shelf, scaffold or platform. The upper surface of the tool comprises tapered ribs located on the back edge of the upper surface. A vertical member and collar are attached to the tool. When the tool is placed on a beam and downward force is applied to the tool, the ribs engage a first side of the beam and the collar engages the opposite side of the beam, forming a lever. The user is free to stand on the tool for support and elevation.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation in part of U.S. application Ser. No.09/667,875 Sep. 22, 2000 now abandoned and U.S. application Ser. No.09/780,886 Feb. 9, 2001.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates in general to lightweight tools, and moreparticularly relates to a lightweight tool for supporting a person orother items above ground level.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is common in residential and commercial building construction for thestructure being built to be “studded” prior to performing carpentry,electrical, plumbing, HVAC installation, and other trade installation,typically in the wall and ceiling area. This entails defining each roomin the structure by vertically oriented wooden beams, or studs, thatindicate the location of the walls of the structure, both interior andexterior. The wooden beams, or construction beams are typically 2 in. by4 in., but other sizes may be used.

Often during residential and commercial construction, a constructionworker will need to access the overhead area of wall and ceiling portionof a studded room. For example, there may be a need to manipulateelectrical wiring or fixtures of any configuration located in or on thewalls and ceilings. Typical wall and ceiling areas above 6 feet are toohigh for a worker to reach while standing on the floor. The worker mustuse a ladder or some other device such as a chair or paint can to gainthe elevation and support needed to access the wall and ceiling area andcomplete the task. It is often time consuming and cumbersome to locateand transport a ladder to the appropriate location. Chairs and paintcans may not provide the required stability or support for the workerand may also be difficult to locate.

Some prior art step tools require the user to slide the tool over theend of a beam. This is very cumbersome and prevents the user from usingthe tool with a fixed beam, an application that is very applicable for astep tool. Other prior art step tools require the user to use both handsto affix the tool.

Many tasks needed to be performed during construction are very difficultto perform alone. This is due to a variety of factors including thebulky nature of certain construction materials and the need totemporarily support or suspend an item while performing another action.

It is also common in finished construction to have a portion of thespace left unfinished. This typically results in a framed area withwooden beams or studs defining certain boundaries within the unfinishedspace. However, there is no dry wall or other similar material placedbetween the exposed wooden beams. These types of unfinished areas areoften used for storage, for example in the basement of a residentialhome. Many people expend significant resources purchasing shelving unitsin order to more efficiently use this space. These units may go unwantedafter the particular area is finished.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a lightweight tool that iseasily portable, simple in construction, and can support a personseeking to gain some elevation and support above the floor.

There is also a need for a tool that is inexpensive and can be used toprovide a storage surface in unfinished construction areas in commercialspaces and residential homes. There is also a need for a tool thatassists individuals in performing construction related tasks alone.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention seeks to provide a lightweight, portable tool thatcan attach to a beam, such as that found in an unfinished constructionarea, and support the weight of and provide needed elevation for a user.

The invention accomplishes these objects by providing a tool includingan upper surface and side walls. Ribs located along the rear edge of theupper surface, at the corners where the rear edge meets the side walls,engage a first side of a beam which is preferably wooden. A verticalmember extends upward from one of the side walls. A collar is attachedto the vertical member to engage the opposite side of the beam. Ribslocated along the top and bottom edges of the collar grip the oppositeside of the beam. The user then can apply a downward force to the uppersurface which forces the ribs to grip the beam, stabilizing the tool.The user is then free to stand on the tool which supports the user andprovides the needed elevation.

Generally described, the present invention provides a tool that can beused to support a weight above the floor. The tool, used for engaging abeam typical of that used in construction, comprises an upper surfaceand first ribs extending from a rear edge of the upper surface. The ribsengage and grip a first side of the beam. A vertical member extends froma first side of the rear edge of the upper surface. A collar attached tothe vertical member engages the opposite side of the beam.

The present invention provides an easy to use tool that can be slippedaround a substantially vertical fixed beam or support using a singlehand. As downward force is applied to the upper surface of the tool, theribs of the tool engage and grip all four sides of the beam, stabilizingthe tool. The user is then free to use the tool for support by steppingon the upper surface of the tool.

The present invention is used to support a weight by placing the tool atan appropriate height, that equates to the desired elevation, along asubstantially vertical fixed beam. The tool comprises a upper surfaceand first ribs extending from a rear edge of the upper surface. Avertical member extends from a first side of the rear edge of the uppersurface. A collar attached to the vertical member engages the oppositeside of the beam. The tool is light weight and can be placed on astructural beam used in construction using only one hand. When placed onthe beam, the tool engages all four sides of the beam. Downward forceapplied to the tool causes the first ribs to grip a first side of thebeam and the collar to engage the opposite side of the beam. The usermay step on the upper surface of the tool in order to achieve the neededelevation. Protrusions are provided on the upper surface in order toincrease friction between the users shoe sole and the upper surface andprevent slipping.

The present invention can also be produced in various sizes. Two toolsof the present invention can be used on adjacent beams in an unfinishedarea to form a support shelf. Each tool is placed on a beam at the sameheight. Downward force is applied to the upper surface of each tool tostabilize the tools. This allows the ribs of each tool to engage andgrip the beam. A board or plank may then be placed so that it issupported on either end by the tools. This creates a support shelf onwhich various items may be placed.

Thus it is an object of the present invention to provide an easy to usetool which supports a weight.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a tool thatis easy to stabilize on a fixed vertical beam.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a tool thatis easy to attach and remove from a fixed beam.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide alightweight tool that will support a substantial weight.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a tool thatwill support the weight of a user.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a tool thatwill support and provide needed elevation for a user.

Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention willbecome apparent upon reading the following detailed description of theembodiments of the invention, when taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a pictorial view of a tool embodying the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an end elevation view of the tool embodying the presentinvention.

FIG. 3 is a pictorial view of the tool embodying the present inventionattached to a wooden beam.

FIG. 4 is a pictorial view of a tool embodying an alternate embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a bottom pictorial view of the tool of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a pictorial view of a tool embodying an alternate embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a pictorial view of the tool of FIG. 6 attached to a fixedbeam.

FIG. 8 is a pictorial view of the tool of FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is a pictorial view of the tool of FIG. 6 with vertical members.

FIG. 10 is a pictorial view of tools of FIG. 6 forming a scaffold.

FIG. 11 is a pictorial view of tools of FIG. 6 forming a scaffold.

FIG. 12 is a pictorial view of the tool of FIG. 6 and a platformaccessory.

FIG. 13 is a pictorial view of the tool of FIG. 6 and a platformaccessory.

FIG. 14 is a pictorial view of the tool of FIG. 6 and a platformaccessory.

FIG. 15 is a pictorial view of the tool of FIG. 6 and a platformaccessory.

FIG. 16 is a pictorial view of tools of FIG. 6 and platform accessoriesforming a staircase.

FIG. 17 is a pictorial view of the tool of FIG. 6 and a platformaccessory.

FIG. 18 is a pictorial view of the tool of FIG. 1 used for creatingtemporary storage.

FIG. 19 is a pictorial view of the tool of FIG. 1 used for creatingtemporary storage.

FIG. 20 is a pictorial view of the tool of FIG. 1 used to createshelving.

FIG. 21 is a pictorial view of the tool of FIG. 1 used to createshelving.

FIG. 22 is a pictorial view of the tool of FIG. 1 used to hang paneling.

FIG. 23 is a pictorial view of the tool of FIG. 1 used to carry a framewall panel.

FIG. 24 is a pictorial view of the tool of FIG. 1 used as a clamp.

FIG. 25 is a pictorial view of the tool of FIG. 1 used to spread itemscontained on a spool.

FIG. 26 is a pictorial view of the tool of FIG. 1 used to spread itemscontained on a spool.

FIG. 27 is a pictorial view of the tool of FIG. 1 used to hang itemsfrom a hook.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now in more detail to the drawings, in which like numeralsrefer to like parts throughout the several views, FIG. 1 shows apictorial view of a tool 10 for attaching to a four-sided woodenstructural beam of the type used commonly in construction and supportinga person above the floor. With reference to FIG. 1, the tool 10 has anupper surface 14. The upper surface 14 is substantially rectangular inshape. A first side wall 18 extends vertically downward from a firstside edge of the upper surface 14. The side wall 18 extends beyond arear edge 16 of the upper surface 14, forming a side wall extension 22.A second side wall 26 extends vertically downward from a second sideedge of the upper surface 14. A side wall extension 30 extends beyondthe rear edge 16 of the upper surface 14. The two side walls 18, 26 arethe same dimensions, each having a flat bottom edge 34 upon which thetool 10 can rest when placed on a flat surface. The rear edge 16 of theupper surface 14 is positioned between the two side walls 18, 26. Thetop edge of the two walls 18, 26, which connect to the two side edges ofthe upper surface 14, is slightly slanted causing the upper surface toalso be slanted.

A vertical member 36 extends upward from the rear extension 30. A collar38 is connected to the top of the vertical member 36. This allows thecollar to engage three sides of the beam when in use. The collar 38 ispositioned to be substantially parallel to the rear edge of the uppersurface 14. A triangular extension 42 extends from the collar 38, on theopposite side from the vertical member 36. The triangular extension 42extends towards the upper surface 14 of the tool 10. The collar 38 has aflat, vertical interior surface 46 between the vertical member 36 andthe triangular extension 42.

As seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, angled ribs 50, 54 extend between the rearedge 16 of the upper surface 14 and each of the side wall extensions 22,30. The ribs 50, 54 are tapered slightly to create a sharp exposedsurface. An angled rib 58 is located in the corner between the verticalmember 36 and the collar 38. Another angled rib 62 is located oppositethe angled rib 58, where the collar 38 is connected to the triangularextension 42. The angled ribs 58, 62 are also tapered to create anexposed surface. It should be understood that the angled ribs 58, 62 areoptional, however, the tool 10 may be more stable and function better ifthe ribs 58, 62 are present.

As shown in FIG. 1, several raised circular protrusions 60 are locatedalong the upper surface. Each protrusion is an annular membersurrounding a hole in the upper surface. It should be understood thatthe protrusions could be formed in numerous different shapes.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the tool 10 is made of alightweight metal such as steel. It should be understood that the tool10 can be made from a variety of other suitable material of sufficientstrength. Due to its light weight, approximately 1.1 pounds, the tool 10can easily be attached to a standard tool belt or pouch used byconstruction workers.

OPERATION OF THE INVENTION

In operation, the tool 10 is typically placed on a four-sided woodenstructural beam 70 with the back edge of the upper surface 14 adjacentto a first side of the wooden beam and the collar 38 adjacent to theopposite side of the wooden beam, as shown in FIG. 3. It should beunderstood that the distance between the first side wall 18 and thesecond side wall 26 should be slightly larger than the width of the beam70. Also, the distance 74 between the back edge of the upper surface 14and the plane in which the collar 38 lies, is slightly larger than theheight 78 of the beam 70. It should also be understood that the tool 10may be used with beams constructed from other materials.

The user must place the tool 10 at a location on the beam 70corresponding to the appropriate amount of elevation needed. Because thevertical member extends from only one side of the tool, the tool caneasily be placed on the beam with only one hand. Once this has beendone, the user applies downward force to the upper surface 14. The usermay do this initially by hand and then by stepping on the upper surface14. As pressure is applied to the upper surface 14, the sharp surfacesof ribs 50, 54 engage and grip the first side of the beam 70 by cuttingslightly into the beam. The collar 38 then contacts the remaining threesides of the beam 70. This creates a lever. As pressure is applied tothe upper surface 14, it is translated through the vertical member 36 tothe collar 38. The combination of the ribs 50, 54 engaging the firstside of the beam 70 and the collar applying pressure to the remainingthree sides of the beam 70 prevents the tool from moving or slippingdespite presence of force including torque. A user can safely stand onthe upper surface 14 in order to gain the needed support and elevation.The protrusions 60 provide increased friction between the shoe sole ofthe user and the upper surface 14 of the tool 10, preventing the usersfoot from slipping off the tool.

The ribs 58, 62 located near the collar 38, also engage the oppositeside of the beam 70 as the ribs 50, 54 engage the first side of thebeam. This creates increased stability as pressure is applied to theupper surface 14. The ribs 58, 62 also prevent the tool 10 from slippingby improving resistance to twisting moments applied to the tool. Thetool 10 actually becomes more stable as the pressure applied to theupper surface 14 is increased.

It should be understood that the tool 10 may be used to perform manydifferent tasks. The tool can be used to create temporary storage inun-finished construction space. As shown in FIG. 18, the tool 10 isplaced on a first beam at the desired height. A second tool 10 is placedon a second beam, adjacent the first beam, at the same height. Twoadditional tools are placed on beams opposite the first and second beamand adjacent to each other at approximately the same height as the firsttwo tools. A plank or beam 202 is placed across the upper surfaces ofthe adjacent tools. Items, such as ducting, piping or other materials,may be stored by placing the items on the planks supported by the toolsas shown in FIG. 19.

The tool can be used to crate shelving in unfinished construction space.As shown in FIG. 20, two tools 10 are placed on adjacent fixedstructural beams 70. A wooden plank 206 is placed across the uppersurfaces of the two tools. Wood screws 208 are passed through the holeslocated in the upper structure and from underneath the upper surface.The screws secure the plank to the tools, creating a shelf as shown inFIG. 21.

The tool 10 can be used to accomplish tasks alone which would otherwiserequire more than one person. For example, the tool 10 can be used whenhanging paneling or dry wall 212. A user places a first tool on a beam70 at a desired height. The user can rest one end of the paneling on theupper surface of the tool, while securing the opposite end. As shown inFIG. 22, the user may place a second tool on a beam located a distanceapproximately equal to the length of the paneling away from the firsttool. The user can then rest the paneling on the two tools and moreeasily secure the paneling while working alone. It should be understoodthat the user may use a third tool to engage a beam and provide the userwith elevation if the paneling is to be secured at a high location. Thisallows the user to accomplish such tasks alone, which would otherwiserequire a second person to hold one end of the paneling while theopposite end is secured. It should be understood that the tool can beused to secure many types of items, particularly large items such as drywall or molding.

The tool 10 can be used as a tool to carry large items, such as a wallpanel. As shown in FIG. 23, the tool can be attached to a frame wallpanel 220 and the frame may be lifted using the tool. It may bedesirable to attach two tools to the wooden frame in an inverted mannerfor easier lifting and maneuvering.

The tool 10 can be used to create a clamp. As shown in FIG. 24, the toolis placed on a beam 70 adjacent the item to be clamped. Once the tool issecured on the beam, two tapered wedges 226, preferably wooden, can beslid between the upper surface of the tool and the item being clamped.As the tapered blocks are forced together, the gap between the tool andthe item is occupied, creating the clamping effect. It should beunderstood that multiple such clamps may be used to secure an item,depending on the size of the item. For example, two opposing tools maybe placed on a single beam to clamp an item between them.

The tool can be used to spread items, such as electrical wiring,insulation, flexible plumbing or other such items stored on an spool. Asshown in FIG. 25, two tools are placed on adjacent fixed beams. A rod230 is passed through the spool 235 and each end of the rod is placed onthe upper surface of the tools. The spooled item is located between thetools as shown in FIG. 26. A two hole strap 232, preferably steel, isused to strap the rod to the tools, using bolts (not shown) which passthrough the holes of the upper surface. Once the rod is secured to thetools, the spooled item can be easily spread as the spool will rotate onthe rod.

The tool can also be used as a hanging device as shown in FIG. 27. Thetool 10 can be placed on a fixed beam at a desired height and secured. Ahook 240 can be placed through the holes of the upper surface forhanging items, such as plants, paint cans or other items from the tool.

ALTERNATE EMBODIMENT OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

In another embodiment of the present invention, the vertical member 36is slightly curved, forming a shallow U shape as shown in FIG. 4. Thecurvature of the vertical member 36 provides increased strength andstability to the tool 10. The vertical member 36 is better able toresist twisting and bending moments due to forces applied to the tool 10when in use.

Ribs 74, 75 are positioned in the corners of the top edge 23 of thecollar 46. The ribs 74, 75 are tapered slightly to create a sharpexposed surface. Ribs 78, 79 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, are located in thecorners of the bottom edge 24 of the collar 46. The ribs 78, 79 are alsotapered slightly to create a sharp exposed surface. When downward forceis applied to the upper surface 14, the ribs 74,75,78,79 engage and gripthe side of the beam adjacent to the collar 46. In the case of a woodenbeam 70, the sharp surfaces of the ribs 74,75, 78,79 cuts slightly intothe beam. This action, along with the ribs 50, 54 engaging and grippingthe first side of the beam 70, prevents the tool from slipping.

The tool of the present invention may also provide teeth 82, 83extending from the bottom edge 34 of each of the side walls 18, 26. Theteeth 82,83 are positioned to engage the first side of the beam 70. Theteeth 82, 83, as shown in FIG. 5, extend inward, toward each other. Theteeth 82,83 are located at the rear portion of the side walls, betweenthe side walls 18,26 and the side wall extensions 22,30. This addsfurther stability to the tool 10 when locked in place and prevents thetool from bending or slipping.

The side wall extensions 22,30 of the present embodiment extend slightlyoutwardly. This allows the tool 10 to slip more easily over the beam 70and be locked in place. By providing the slightly outwardly angled sidewall extensions 22,30, the side wall extensions act as a guide whenplacing the tool on a fixed beam. This facilitates centering of the tool10 with respect to the beam 70. As force is applied to the upper surface14 of the tool 10, the properly centered tool engages the beam andprovides a stable support. The side wall extensions 22,30 may angleoutwardly from 2° to 6°.

It should be understood that by providing a single vertical member 36,the tool can easily be placed on and removed from a beam 70 that hasfixed ends, by sliding the tool around the beam and locking the tool inplace.

As seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, a hole 90 is provided in the center of thecollar 46. The hole 90 is provided so that the tool may be hung from astandard display peg. The hole 90 also allows the user to place the tool10 on a hook or a nail for storage.

It should be understood that the present invention may be used for otherapplications as well. For example, a pair of tools 10 could be attachedto adjacent beams, or studs, in an unfinished construction area. Theuser attaches the tools 10 at a pre-selected height. For thisapplication, it is preferable that the user place each tool 10 at thesame height. A flat surface, such as a board or a plank, can be placedon the upper surface of the tools forming a support shelf. The user mayplace items on the shelf for storage. It should be understood that thesize and, in particular, length of the upper surfaces 14 of the tools 10may vary in order to accommodate varied sizes of flat surfaces.

Another embodiment of the present invention may be used to form ascaffold. As shown in FIG. 6, the tool 100 comprises an upper supportmember 112. The upper support member has an elongated flat rectangularupper surface 115 and is either square or rectangular in cross section.A lower support member 118 extends from a first rear end of the uppersupport member to a second front end of the upper support member. Thelower support member is substantially U shaped. The lower support membermay also be either rectangular or square in cross section.

A first upper collar 120 is located on the upper support member 112 nearthe rear end 113 of the upper support member. The first upper collarextends laterally away from the side surface of the upper supportmember. The first upper collar is positioned such that the insidesurface 121 of the collar faces towards the front end 114 of the uppersupport member. A second upper collar 124 extends laterally away fromthe side surface of the upper support member and is positioned on theopposite side of the upper support member from the first upper collar.The second upper collar is also positioned near the rear end of theupper support member and is positioned such that the inside surface 125of the collar faces towards the front end of the upper support member.

A first lower collar 128 is located on the lower support member 118. Thefirst lower collar extends laterally away from the side surface of thelower support member in the same direction as the first upper collar.The first lower collar is positioned such that the inside surface 129 ofthe collar faces the opposite direction of the inside surface of thefirst upper collar. The first lower collar is positioned substantiallybelow the first upper collar; the distance between the vertical plane ofthe inside surface 121 of the first upper collar and the vertical planeof the inside surface 129 of the first lower collar is slightly largerthan the height 78 of the beam 70, which may be four inches.

A second lower collar 130 is located on the lower support member 118 andextends laterally away from the side surface of the lower support memberin the same direction as the second upper collar. The second lowercollar is positioned such that the inside surface 131 of the collarfaces the opposite direction of the inside surface of the second uppercollar. The second lower collar is positioned substantially below thesecond upper collar. The distance between the vertical plane of theinside surface 125 of the second upper collar and the vertical plane ofthe inside surface 131 of the second lower collar is slightly largerthan the height 78 of the beam 70, which may be six inches.

The inside surface of each collar is slightly smaller than the width ofthe beam 70. The side surfaces of the collars are angled to guide thebeam into the collar where it is wedged and locked onto the beam. Ribs135, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, are located in the corners of the insidesurfaces 121, 125, 129, 131 of each of the collars 120, 124, 128, 130.The ribs are tapered to create an exposed sharp surface which contactsthe beam, further anchoring the tool 100. Depending on the beam height78, the tool 100 can be attached to the beam using the first uppercollar and first lower collar or the second upper collar and secondlower collar. For example, if the tool was to be attached to a 2 in.×4in. beam, the first upper collar and the first lower collar may be used.If the tool was to be attached to a 2 in.×6 in. beam, the second uppercollar and second lower collar may be used. It should be understood thatthe positions of the collars can be varied to accommodate differentsized beams. Once the appropriate collars are selected, the tool 100 canbe attached to the beam by placing the collars around the beam andapplying downward pressure. The ribs 135 cut slightly into the beam andthe two collars apply pressure to opposite sides of the beam, preventingthe tool from slipping.

The present invention can be used to form a scaffold by attaching afirst tool 100 to a first beam 70 using the collars. The first tool islocked onto the beam, allowing the ribs to penetrate the beam. A secondtool 100 is attached to a second beam, which may be adjacent to thefirst beam. The second tool is positioned along the second beam at thesame height as the first tool and secured using the collars and ribs.Boards 138, which may be 2 in.×12 in., are placed on the upper surface115 of the upper support member forming a platform 140 for the scaffold,as shown in FIG. 10. The upper support member may be long enough tosupport two boards, a first board adjacent to the rear end of the uppersupport member and a second board adjacent the front end of the uppersupport member. It should be understood that the upper support membermay be configured to accommodate a single board or a plurality of boardsof different shapes and sizes. A safety block may be attached to thebottom of the boards adjacent to the upper support member, to furthersecure the boards forming the platform.

In order to add further stability to the scaffold, vertical supportmembers 144 can be attached to the lower support member, as shown inFIG. 9. Each end of the lower support members has openings. The openingsare positioned to accept a vertical support member, which may be ofslightly smaller cross section than the lower support member. Thevertical support member can be inserted into the ends of the lowersupport member, and extend vertically from the platform. A small hole141 may be located on each end of the lower support member. A similarsized hole 142 located on the vertical support members can be used toposition the vertical support member within the lower support member.Once the holes 141, 142 are aligned, a pin 143, such as a spring loadedpin, may be inserted into the aligned holes to lock the vertical supportmember in place. Thus, two vertical support members may be attached tothe first tool and two vertical support members may be attached to thesecond tool, as shown in FIG. 10.

Brackets 146 extend outwardly from each of the vertical support members.Two brackets are located at approximately the midpoint, on adjacentsides of the vertical member. Two additional brackets are located nearthe top, on adjacent sides of the vertical member. When the fourvertical members are positioned in the tools forming the scaffold, thebrackets of the vertical members are horizontally aligned. As shown inFIG. 11, beams can be placed on horizontally aligned brackets forming ahandrail. It should be understood that beams of appropriate size andlength are placed between brackets on adjacent vertical members. Thisprovides increased stability for a user standing on the scaffold.

Each bracket may have a small tab 147 extending laterally from thebracket. The tab abuts the beam placed in the bracket and has a hole inthe center. A screw can be passed through each hole and into each beam,further securing the beams to the brackets and vertical support members.The brackets are preferably L shaped brackets, but it should beunderstood that C shaped brackets and other shaped brackets may beappropriate.

The present invention may also be used with a platform accessory 150 toform a platform as shown in FIG. 12. The platform accessory comprises ahorizontal surface or platform 154 with a support assembly 158underneath. The support assembly provides two elongated support struts160 that extend downward from the bottom side of the platform. Thesupport struts are attached to opposite sides of the lower supportmember 118. The support struts may be attached using a screw that passesthrough both support struts and the lower support member and is securedby a nut. The support assembly also provides two angular support struts162, 163 extending from the lower portion of each support strut to thecorners of the bottom side of the platform 154. This provides additionalsupport for the platform. A rectangular notch 165 located in the centerof the front and rear walls of the platform allows the platformaccessory to sit on the upper support member. Raised circularprotrusions 168 on the platform surface provide increased friction for auser standing on the platform, preventing slipping. Thus, a user usingthe present tool with the platform accessory can form a convenientplatform simply by locking the tool on a fixed beam and attaching theplatform accessory to the tool.

As shown in FIG. 13, the tool and platform accessory can be furtherstabilized by placing a beam 170, such as 2 in.×4 in. beam, horizontallybetween the rear wall of the platform 154 and the fixed beam 70 to whichthe tool 100 is attached. The beam 170 preferably extends horizontallyin both directions beyond the fixed beams 171, 172 immediately adjacentto the fixed beam 70. This adds further stability to the platform andprevents the platform from twist around the fixed beam 70.Alternatively, the platform accessory may provide a stabilizer bar 174.The stabilizing bar, as shown in FIG. 14 can be connected to the sidewalls of the platform 154 using a hinge 175 and hinge arms 176 that areattached to the stabilizer bar. This allows the stabilizer bar to beretracted for easy attachment and removal of the platform accessory.Once rotated downward, the stabilizer bar provides stability to theplatform in the same manner as the above described horizontal beam 170.The stabilizer bar is preferably long enough to extend horizontallybeyond at least the two fixed beams 171, 172 immediately adjacent tofixed beam 70. Alternatively, the stabilizer bar 174 may be positionedto pass through the side walls 151, 152 of the platform 154. Thestabilizer bar can be extended or retracted laterally. In the retractedposition, the stabilizer bar is roughly the same size as the width ofthe platform as shown in FIG. 17. Once extended, the stabilizer barextends laterally from the side walls of the platform in oppositedirections so that the ends of the stabilizer bar are aligned with thefixed beams 171, 172 immediately adjacent to the fixed beam 70. Thestabilizer bar can be rotated such that stabilizer extensions 180attached to each end of the stabilizer bar engage the fixed beams 171,172. The rotation of the stabilizer bar is preferably accomplished usinga cam assembly attached to the stabilizer bar.

The present invention can be used with the platform accessory 150 toform a type of staircase as shown in FIG. 16. The tools 100 are lockedto successive fixed beams 70 at successively increasing height. Theplatform accessories 150 attached to each tool in the above describedmanner form the stairs. The user can use this combination of the presentinvention to gain access to a platform, also provided by the presentinvention, which may be too elevated to otherwise access. Verticalmembers 144 attached to each tool 100 of the staircase can be used toform a handrail for the staircase. Beams are secured to the brackets 146of the vertical members as previously described to form the handrail.

While the invention has been described in detail with particularreference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood thatmodifications and variations may be made without departing from thescope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

I claim:
 1. A tool for engaging a four-sided rectangular woodenstructural beam of the type used in construction, the tool comprising:an upper surface for supporting a person using the tool to provideelevation; first ribs extending from a rear edge of the upper surfacefor engaging and gripping a first side of a beam; at least one verticalmember extending from only one side of the rear edge of the uppersurface of the tool, the opposite side of the rear edge being openallowing a user to engage the tool to a beam using only one hand; sidewalls extending downwardly from the side edges of the upper surface andside wall extensions extending beyond the rear edge of the uppersurface, the side wall extensions angled slightly outwardly facilitatingcentering of the tool on a beam; a collar connected to the verticalmember for engaging the remaining three sides of a beam; and second ribsextending from the collar and gripping a beam, whereby the first ribs,the vertical member, the collar, the side wall extensions and the secondribs allow the tool to engage all four sides of a beam and resist torquewhen force is applied to the upper surface such as the weight of aperson standing on the upper surface using the tool for elevation. 2.The tool of claim 1 wherein the second ribs extend from the top cornersof the collar.
 3. The tool of claim 1 further comprising protrusionslocated on the upper surface.
 4. The tool of claim 1 wherein the toolweighs less than 1.5 pounds allowing a user to engage the tool to a beamusing one hand.
 5. The tool of claim 1 further comprising a hole in thecollar for hanging the tool from a hook.
 6. The tool of claim 1 whereinthe vertical member is U-shaped providing increased resistance to torquewhen force is applied to the upper surface.
 7. A method of using a toolfor engaging a four-sided wooden substantially vertical fixed structuralbeam of the type used in construction for supporting the weight of aperson using the tool to provide elevation comprising: placing the toolat a selected height along a beam using a single hand, the toolcomprising an upper surface, first ribs extending from a rear edge ofthe upper surface for gripping a beam, at least one vertical memberextending from only one side of the rear edge of the upper surface, theopposite side of the rear edge being open, side walls extendingdownwardly from the side edges of the upper surface and side wallextensions extending beyond the rear edge of the upper surface, a collarconnected to the vertical member for engaging the remaining three sidesof a beam and second ribs extending from the collar; applying a downwardforce to the tool by stepping on the upper surface of the tool, whereinthe first ribs are caused to grip the first side of a beam and thecollar and the second ribs are adapted to engage the remaining threesides of a beam allowing a person to stand on the tool and achieve thedesired elevation, whereby the tool capable of engaging all four sidesof a beam contributes resistance to torque applied to the tool andresistance to slipping of the tool from a beam.
 8. The method accordingto claim 7 wherein the side wall extensions are angled slightlyoutwardly facilitating centering of the tool on a beam.
 9. The methodaccording to claim 7 wherein the upper surface comprises raisedprotrusions to prevent slipping on the upper surface of the tool.
 10. Ashelving unit for storing items in unfinished construction spacecomprising: a first and second tool, each tool engaging a four-sidedrectangular wooden beam of the type used in construction, each toolcomprising; an upper surface for supporting a person using the tool toprovide elevation; first ribs extending from a rear edge of the uppersurface for engaging and gripping a first side of the beam; at least onevertical member extending from only one side of the rear edge of theupper surface of the tool, the opposite side of the rear edge being openallowing a user to engage the tool to the beam using only one hand; sidewalls extending downwardly from the side edges of the upper surface andside wall extensions extending beyond the rear edge of the uppersurface; and a collar connected to the vertical member for engaging theremaining three sides of the beam and second ribs extending from thecollar and gripping the beam; whereby the first ribs, the verticalmember, the side wall extensions, the collar and the second ribs allowthe tool to engage all four sides of the beam and resist torque whenforce is applied to the upper surface such as the weight of a personstanding on the upper surface using the tool for elevation; and a plankplaced on the upper surface of the tools creating a shelf for storage ofitems.
 11. The shelving unit of claim 10, wherein the plank is securedto the tools by screws.